SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bad weather forced the Harding men's soccer team and Missouri S&T to move a game originally scheduled for Rolla, Mo., to Springfield, Mo., but the bad weather followed them. 

After playing just 34 minutes, lightning in the Springfield area forced Harding and Missouri S&T to cancel the season-opener for both teams. According to NCAA rules, teams must play a minimum of 70 minutes for an official game. 

Missouri S&T led 2-0 when the teams left the playing field. The Miners scored first in the eighth minute when David Kekec scored from 15 yards out. Sam Shaffer added the second goal in the 16th minute. 

"We definitely got off to a slow start," said Harding head coach Dr. Greg Harris. 

Harding did not attempt its first shot until the 22nd minute of the game but mounted an offensive attack that led to five shots over the next 12 minutes prior to the lightning delay. The Bisons outshot the Miners 5-2 after the second goal. 

"We settled in and were playing really well just before the lightning came," said Harris. 

Harding had four players start the game that were making their Harding debuts. Senior Will Reno started in goal for the Bisons and made five early saves in his first Harding action. Other starters making their collegiate debuts were freshmen Jeremiah McAlister, Ryan Wilhelm and Chris Stalcup. 

With the cancellation, Harding's first official game will be Saturday in Searcy as the Bisons host Palm Beach Atlantic at 11 a.m.